Likud Court Approves Netanyahu's Slots for Sa'ar, Katz, and Katz

The Likud party court approved on Wednesday the reserved slots (shiryonim) granted by Prime Minister Netanyahu to ministers Gideon Sa'ar, Israel Katz, and Haim Katz. The court ruled that Netanyahu is authorized to choose slots before the primaries. Court president Adv. Michael Kleiner explained Haim Katz's placement. Regarding Israel Katz, it was determined that the slot was made bypassing the party constitution, following a confidential request. This removes another obstacle ahead of the primaries, but Netanyahu will still face the anger of MKs pushed out of the list.

The Likud party court approved on Wednesday morning the reserved slots (shiryonim) granted by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to three senior party members: ministers Gideon Sa'ar, Israel Katz, and Haim Katz. The court ruled that Netanyahu is authorized to choose slots even before the primaries are held, and there is no need to wait for results. Regarding Haim Katz, court president Adv. Michael Kleiner explained the placement: "The placement of a successful minister and an experienced MK who has proven his loyalty to the party" is preferable to an external candidate. This came after criticism of Katz's placement. Regarding Defense Minister Katz, who was reserved not as part of the slot quota but out of a desire to free his time from "considerations of state security," it was determined that the slot was made bypassing the party constitution, after Netanyahu submitted the request confidentially. This removes another obstacle for Netanyahu ahead of the primaries, but he will still face the anger of MKs pushed out of the list the day after the primaries.